Non-destructive assessment of highbush blueberry fruit maturity parameters and anthocyanins by using a visible/ near infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy device: A preliminary approach

We evaluate the use of a portable and non-invasive technology based on visible and near infrared (vis/NIR) spectroscopy (Cherry-Meter) for monitoring fruit maturity parameters and anthocyanins in two highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars (Misty and Sharpblue). This device measures an Index of Absorbance Difference (IAD), which showed high correlations with fruit quality parameters in other fruit crops. We found positive but differential correlations between IAD values and fruit anthocyanins, which was higher for Misty (r = 0.970, p≤0.01) than for Sharpblue (r = 0.714, p>0.05). Interestingly, Cherry-Meter measurements were also correlated with solid soluble concentrations (r = 0.685, p≤0.01) and fruit firmness (r = -0.714, p≤0.01), but only in Sharpblue. For both cultivars, IAD values were also significantly (p≤0.01) related with fruit FW (0.447 for Sharpblue and 0.559 for Misty). The High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) data indicated that IAD variations were associated with significant changes in single berry anthocyanidins levels. These findings are the first approach, highlighting the potentialities of Cherry-Meter for the non-destructive assessment of fruit maturity and anthocyanidin profile in blueberries.